Smart glass, also known as switchable, dimmable, or dynamic glass or glazing,
varies the light transmittance and thermal properties of windows. Static
high-specification glass can be manufactured to improve insulation values,
glare control, or passive heating and lighting levels - but never all three.
Smart glass can optimize each, as it lightens or tints depending on ambient
conditions, programming, or user controls. Projections of building energy
performance show significant gains from the use of smart glass, as do other
metrics such as occupant comfort and satisfaction.

]The design trend in buildings and vehicles is for greater use of glass. Yet,
building regulations and voluntary measures are pushing for improvements in
energy performance. Smart glass can satisfy both the design aspirations for
increased glazing and the push toward lower energy consumption. Although
technology costs are expected to drop and production volumes increase, smart
glass will remain a niche product within a large global glazing market. Many
of the adoption barriers could start to recede during 2013-2022, leading to
greater growth for smart glass beyond the forecast period. Navigant Research
forecasts that smart glass glazing units will grow to just over 2.7 million
m2/29 million SF by 2022.

This Navigant Research report provides an analysis of various smart glass
technologies and their applications in buildings and the transportation
market. It provides insights on the go-to-market strategies for market
participants and considers how relationships with glazing sector companies and
suppliers are shaping the market. Market forecasts for glazing unit product
volume and value, segmented by technology and end-market sector, extend
through 2022. The report also includes an examination of the market drivers
and barriers, as well as costs and benefits, related to smart glass.

Key Questions Addressed:

What are the differences between the current and future smart glass
technologies?

What is the value proposition of smart glass for various market players?